As a student in the University of Waterloo’s Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program, I’m incredibly fortunate to have the chance to actively apply what I’m learning in the classroom to real-world projects. This isn’t just about studying sustainable practices in theory—I’ve had the opportunity to work on sustainability reporting and auditing for major firms, with a special focus on ethical supply chain management in high-impact sectors like mining and extractives. I’ve even served on advisory boards and attended key industry conferences, including the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16), and the Canadian Institute of Mining Health & Safety (CIM H&S) Conference.
On November 16th, I’ll be leading a workshop at the Be the Future! conference—a collaborative event by the University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), the Faculty of Environment and Ontario DECA. My session, "Empowering Gen Z: Taking Control of ESG," will dive into Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and their impact on business. Together, we’ll explore how Gen Z can bring transparency, ethics and sustainability into both corporate roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
The SFM program, especially courses like SFM 328 - Sustainability Integration Consulting Jr. Project, have been invaluable in preparing me for opportunities like this. SFM 328 goes beyond traditional academics, offering a hands-on experience where we collaborate with real organizations to address real sustainability challenges.
Under the guidance of Jennifer Roedding, course instructor, we follow a single project from start to finish, allowing us to see the impact of our recommendations. It’s not just about learning what sustainability means in theory; it’s about creating actionable plans and watching them take shape in real business contexts.
One of the things I love about SFM 328 is that it’s pass/fail and worth half a credit. The focus is entirely on developing skills and delivering meaningful results instead of just working for a grade. And for those who want to deepen their experience, there’s SFM 329, where we can return as project leaders and mentor new students. This natural progression from student to consultant to leader provides an incredible foundation for anyone interested in sustainability consulting, giving us a taste of the consulting world and preparing us for careers with real impact.
If you’re serious about sustainability, SFM 328 is truly a game-changer. It’s more than a class—it’s a path to making a difference. And through opportunities like Be The Future! and the innovative SFM program, I’m already experiencing what it means to be part of a future that aligns profit with purpose.